Tron fans have plenty to be thrilled about in 2025. After a lengthy hiatus, the franchise is set to dazzle audiences again with the release of "Tron: Ares" in October. This third installment stars Jared Leto as Ares, a program embarking on a high-stakes, mysterious mission from the digital world into reality.

Is "Tron: Ares" a true sequel, though? Visually, it's unmistakably linked to 2010's "Tron: Legacy," as confirmed by the newly released trailer. The shift from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails for the score indicates that the franchise's signature electronic music remains a key element.

Yet, "Tron: Ares" might not be the direct sequel fans expected. It appears to lean more towards a soft reboot. The absence of key characters from "Legacy" like Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn and Olivia Wilde's Quorra, and the confirmed return of only Jeff Bridges from the previous cast, raises questions. Let's dive deeper into how "Legacy" set up its sequel and why "Ares" seems to diverge from that path.

TRON: Ares Images

2 ImagesGarrett Hedlund’s Sam Flynn & Olivia Wilde’s Quorra

"Tron: Legacy" focused on the intertwined journeys of Sam Flynn and Quorra. Sam, portrayed by Garrett Hedlund, is the son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), the CEO of Encom who vanished in 1989. Sam's quest into The Grid to rescue his father and thwart CLU's plan to invade the real world forms the crux of the story. During his mission, Sam encounters Quorra, an ISO—a digital lifeform—played by Olivia Wilde. Quorra represents the possibility of life within digital realms. By the film's end, Sam defeats CLU, returning to the real world with Quorra, who has transitioned into a physical being.

The conclusion of "Legacy" teases a sequel where Sam steps up to lead Encom towards a more open-source future, with Quorra as a testament to the potential of digital life. This setup was further explored in the short film "Tron: The Next Day," included in the home video release, which showed Sam's return to Encom.

However, "Tron: Ares" does not feature Hedlund or Wilde, which is striking given their central roles. This could be Disney's strategic move to refresh the series following "Legacy's" $409.9 million global box office on a $170 million budget. It wasn't a flop, but it didn't meet Disney's expectations, much like other underperforming films of that era. The studio might have opted for a new direction rather than a direct continuation.

The absence of Sam and Quorra leaves significant gaps in the narrative. Are we to assume Sam abandoned his vision for Encom? Did Quorra tire of the real world? "Tron: Ares" will need to address these questions, hopefully acknowledging the importance of these characters, even if through subtle nods or unexpected cameos.

Cillian Murphy's brief appearance as Edward Dillinger, Jr. in "Legacy" hinted at larger plans for the character. As the head of Encom's software team and an opponent of Sam's open-source ethos, Dillinger was poised to be a key antagonist in a sequel. His connection to the original Tron's villain, the Master Control Program (MCP), suggested a potential revival of the MCP's threat.

The "Tron: Ares" trailer suggests the MCP's return, with characters marked by its signature red glow. Ares' mission, shrouded in mystery, could be tied to the MCP's agenda. Yet, Murphy's absence and the introduction of Gillian Anderson's new character at Encom raise questions about the narrative direction. Evan Peters playing Julian Dillinger hints at the Dillinger legacy's continuation, and there's always a chance Murphy might return unannounced.

Bruce Boxleitner’s Tron

Bruce Boxleitner's absence from "Tron: Ares" is perhaps the most puzzling. As the original Tron and Alan Bradley, his role was pivotal. In "Legacy," his character Tron, reprogrammed as Rinzler, hinted at a redemption arc that remains unresolved. The decision to potentially recast or exclude Tron from a film bearing his name is baffling. Fans hope "Ares" will address Tron's fate and incorporate him somehow, perhaps through Cameron Monaghan's character.

The inclusion of Jeff Bridges in "Tron: Ares" is equally perplexing. Both his characters, Kevin Flynn and CLU, met their demise in "Legacy." Yet, his voice is heard in the trailer, leaving fans to wonder if he's playing a surviving version of Flynn, a resurrected CLU, or something entirely new. The mystery surrounding his role adds intrigue to "Ares," but also highlights the film's deviation from "Legacy's" established narrative.

As we eagerly await "Tron: Ares," the film's approach to its predecessors leaves us both excited and curious. The shift in focus, the missing characters, and the return of key figures like Bridges all contribute to a sequel that promises to be both familiar and fresh. And with Nine Inch Nails taking the reins from Daft Punk, the soundtrack is sure to be a thrilling aspect of the cinematic experience.

In other Tron news, the franchise is set to return to the gaming realm with "Tron: Catalyst," blending elements of Metroid and Hades into an exciting new adventure.